Vol 9 Chapter 185 (2/2)

Zi Long seemed to be rather angry from her tone. Even though this had nothing to do with her, she would still get serious about it. Wen Yuan and Yun Chang do the same thing sometimes as well. Perhaps this is just how skilled warriors behaved.

“That we have lost is something we have acknowledged before this.” Li Dian frowned as she reached up with her hand but then put it back down halfway.

Ah, is she trying to adjust her hat? She usually has a hat on but it seems to be missing now.

“But,” Li Dian paused and looked at Yuan Zhi, and then at me, “There are some other things that we still need to confirm.”

*Tatata*

*Shua* *Da*!

A gust of wind blew past me and a black figure suddenly appeared before me and Zi Long leapt over, “Lord Shamoke is a Nanman general who joined our faction. Though he still has room for improvement for his martial prowess, is not particularly outstanding as a person and has no finesse at all, he is still one of us. May I ask if you losers have any problem with that?”

I know Zi Long is trying to protect me but I am having great difficulties taking what she said lying down.

“You b.a.s.t.a.r.d…”

“Lord Li Dian, that’s enough.” Cao Ren said and stopped Li Dian.

Even if we fight to the death here, we will not achieve anything and our troops will be decimated. Cao Ren is likely thinking of such things.

“… Alright, we’ll take it that we lost this time.” Cao Ren said with difficulty as she put on a painful smile that made me begin to pity her. When she finished, she took out a small flag and attached it to her spear before waving it above her head.

*Dong*! *Dong*! *Dong*!

After several dozen seconds, the rhythm of the drum beats changed and became heavier and slower. When the surrounding enemy troops heard this, they all had different reactions. Some were downcast, others heaved a sigh of relief, and there were also some who cheered. Looks like they really are retreating.

“We’ve lost this battle. The responsibility for this lies with us, not our troops.” Cao Ren said as her smile gave way for a serious expression, “So don’t get too happy, everyone. Our troops will continue to come for Xinye.”

“We may have lost but this does not mean that the southern campaign has come to a halt.” Li Dian added, “I believe everyone knows of the might of my lord.”

“You lot needn’t worry about us.” Yuan Zhi calmly said, “You should hurry along now and think about how you ought to ask for forgiveness with your lord.”

“You needn’t worry about that.” Li Dian replied curtly with raised eyebrows before s.h.i.+fting her gaze back to me.

At this time, the enemy troops have begun to form up and retreat. Even when they went past our troops, no one bothered to fight any longer.

“I don’t know who you are but I advise you to leave Xinye as soon as possible and return to the Nanman plains obediently.” Li Dian suddenly spoke up, making me take a few steps back involuntarily, “Before long, this city will be flattened, man who calls himself Shamoke.”

Since she calls me that, that should mean that she has not confirmed it.

“I have my own considerations. But I hope that you won’t try to pry apart people’s veils in future. This is something that is very important in my people’s culture and I hope that you can respect it.”

Naturally, I had no such cultural practice to speak of and merely said this to try to dispel some of her suspicions, even if just a little.

“Un, apologies for my rudeness.” Li Dian said with no sincerity whatsoever. She definitely still suspects me. Up till now, she is still staring at my face, as though she is hoping to see something between the leaves. Of course, she will not be able to.

“Well then…” Cao Ren said as she exchanged glances with Li Dian and they both reluctantly nodded.

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